Difference between revisions of "Lyra Flex"

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Revision as of 23:09, 26 March 2007

Japanese 6×6 TLR
Prewar and wartime models (edit)
6×6cm Elmoflex | First Reflex | Kiko Flex | Lyra Flex | Minoltaflex | Minoltaflex Automat | Minoltaflex military prototype | Nōman Flex | Ostenflex | Prince Flex | Ricohflex (original) | Ricohflex B | Rollekonter | Roll-o-Frex | Rorter Ref | Rorterflex | Sakura-flex | Simpuflex | Starflex | Taroflex | Valflex | Yokusanflex
Postwar models and other TLR ->
Pseudo TLR and medium format SLR ->
Other Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4 ->

See also the Lyraflex (postwar).

The Lyra Flex is a Japanese 6×6 TLR that was made by Fuji Kōgaku between 1938 and 1944. The focusing knob is on the right when held by the photographer, and the whole front plate moves for focusing. There is automatic film advance, with a knob and an exposure counter.

The Lyra Flex

The original model was released in 1938.[1] An advertisement dated March 1938[2] presents the Lyra Flex with a Fujikō A shutter (T, B, 1–300), a Fujikō Anastigmat Goldar 75/3.5 four element taking lens and a Fuji–kō Anastigmat Terionar 75/3.2 viewing lens, for ¥190.

The shutter release is on the right hand plate and the advertisement says that there is double exposure prevention. The name plate says LyraFlex, with another marking underneath, Fuji kōgaku kikai seisakusho; and the shutter plate is black with a FUJIKō marking at the top. There is probably a sports finder. The viewing hood shows a cross-like structure with the FUJI KŌGAKU logo in the middle.

It seems that it also exists with a Terionar 75/3.5 lens.[3]

The Lyra Flex F and J

The Lyra Flex F and Lyra Flex J were offered between 1941 and 1944.[4] The shutter release is now at the bottom of the front plate, falling under the left hand fingers. It perhaps means that it is not linked any more to the auto-stop mechanism, and that double exposure prevention was abandoned. The viewing hood has no cross structure and no logo but the presence of a sportsfinder is confirmed. There are changes in the nameplate, marked LYRA FLEX in uppercase letters, and in the strap lugs. There is an exposure table on the back.

The Lyra Flex F and Lyra Flex J are equipped respectively with a Fujikō F and a Fujikō J shutter. Both shutters have T, B, 1–200 speeds, but the J has a selftimer. It seems to be the only difference between the two models. The shutter plate is sometimes black with white markings and sometimes yellowish with black markings. It is written FUJIKō at the top (usually in two parts: FUJ and IKō, with an arrow between both, sometimes also in a single word like on the previous model), and FUJIKōGAKU at the bottom.

The Lyra Flex F cost ¥230 in 1941[5] and the Lyra Flex J cost ¥252 in 1941[6] and ¥289 in 1942[7].

Notes

  1. Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342, says that it appeared in the new products column of the March 1938 issue of Asahi Camera.
  2. Advertisement published in Ars Camera, reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 101.
  3. Such an example is pictured in the book Kamera zukan, by Sugiyama and Naoi, according to Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342.
  4. Dates: Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 342–3.
  5. Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, pp. 100–1.
  6. Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 100.
  7. Advertisements reproduced in Kokusan kamera no rekishi, p. 101.

Bibliography

  • Asahi Camera (アサヒカメラ) editorial staff. Shōwa 10–40nen kōkoku ni miru kokusan kamera no rekishi (昭和10–40年広告にみる国産カメラの歴史, Japanese camera history as seen in advertisements, 1935–1965). Tokyo: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1994. ISBN 4-02-330312-7. Items 299–301. (See also the advertisement for items 294, 298 and 303.)
  • Lewis, Gordon, ed. The History of the Japanese Camera. Rochester, N.Y.: George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography & Film, 1991. ISBN 0-935398-17-1 (paper), 0-935398-16-3 (hard). P. 39 (brief mention only).
  • McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). P. 329. (It presents a picture of a Lyra Flex J, identified by mistake as an original Lyra Flex.)

Links

In English:

In Japanese: